A unique exhibition opens at Studio 53 on August 29. The works of artist/author Bob McKay and the photography of Heather McKay Bowes will be displayed, side by side, just as the two have long dreamed of.

Bob McKay works in oils and watercolor and is well-known for his paintings depicting the working waterfront, nautical subjects and landscapes (tidal marshes, rivers, seasonal scenes) and illustrations. He is the author of the children's book, “Percival the Lighthouse Mouse,” about the adventures of Percival on Burnt Island. Late this spring, McKay took on his ultimate canvas: painting the new mural in the Maine State Aquarium.

McKay will have 15 oil paintings in his exhibit with the theme, “Visions of Maine — Old & New.” Some completed last fall, some new, depicting the working waterfront.

McKay is looking forward to this show with his daughter.

“Heather has developed so nicely into the photography," McKay said. "Heather is very imaginative. She also has the unique ability to be able to work with the children in such a natural way they don't realize they are being photographed.”

“We've been talking about doing this for awhile, and I'm very happy this opportunity came along at the gallery."

Heather McKay Bowes remembers first learning about light, shadow and color as a child. Her classroom was different locations in the great outdoors with her father as teacher. Side by side they would draw, paint or take photographs.

Her career as a photographer in family portraiture began 10 years ago, when friends began calling her for portraits of their children and families.

Bowes has a non-traditional way of capturing the slice of life, in the moment photos she has become known for. She will spend two or three hours with her clients in their homes, or at a favorite family location like the beach or an orchard.

“I'll ask the family to just go about their day and then I wait for those moments. I don't like to force them,” Bowes said. “Some of my clients have been with me for 10 years. Every session gets better and better, as we get to know each other well.”

Bowes said there is an element of planning; conversations about clothes, moving the family into the best light situations, and sometimes it takes children a bit to warm up to her.

There is an intimacy, an energy in the photos Bowes takes. When you view them, you are unable to stop yourself from being drawn to the subject.

Bowes uses film and prefers black and white images, particularly in family portraiture. These photos have a timeless quality she and her clients love.

“There's a quality with black and white film that just can't be beat. But there are instances with children that beg for color,” Bowes said. “My biggest goal at the end of a photo shoot is that everyone's happier afterward.”

This New Hampshire-based photographer started out using film and she still prefers it.

“I moved to digital, but that frustrated me. I was sitting in front of a computer sifting through photos then sending selected ones to the lab. The whole experience of being able to see it, touch it ... that was taken away,” Bowes said. “Sitting in front of a computer wasn't satisfying for me.”

Bowes' exhibit, “We Are Wild,” will include 12 large photographs of children, the wilderness and a shot of sailboats at the Southport Yacht Club. A couple smaller, square photos were taken with a HOLGA toy camera. Made in China, Bowes likes the 120 film that produces large negatives and beautiful photographs. Because the camera has a plastic lens, edges can be blurred or darker, you just have to know where that “sweet spot” is.

Bowes is very excited about the upcoming show and sharing the spotlight with him.

“We use two different mediums, but I think when we see it together the similarities will come out,” Bowes said. “There's an emphasis on nature, people and light in our work. I think we use the same kind of light — in photos or painting, its about how the light falls on your subject.”

The works of this talented father-daughter duo will be displayed in the two front rooms at Studio 53 and in the hallway. The show runs through August 26. Studio 53 is located at 53 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. For more information, call 207-633-2755.

For more about McKay, visit www.robertbmckay.com.

For more on Bowes, visit her Facebook page: Heather McKay Bowes Photographs.

Related:

Bob McKays ultimate canvas

Bob McKay show opens at Damariscotta River Grill